Cucurbitaceae

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The Cucurbitaceae family only counts one native species in Belgium, Bryonia dioica Jacq. Many of the currently found alien representatives (except, for instance, Sicyos angulatus that is introduced unintentionally with grains) are probably food refuse casuals. They are most often found on dumps or sewage works, from discarded kitchen waste (more rarely also on river banks).

In addition to the species treated in detail in this account many more are cultivated for their edible fruits or as ornamentals (e.g. Cullen & al. 1997; Jäger & al. 2008). Grenfell (1984) provides a very useful illustrated overview with identification key for the British representatives of the cucurbit family.

Molecular phylogenetic studies within Cucurbitaceae family were recently conducted by Schaefer & Renner (2011). These authors also proposed a new infrafamilial classification.

Given the economic importance of the Cucurbitaceae family, a vast and very divers literature is available. Only a selection of the more relevant references is provided hereunder and with the respective genus accounts.